Filing flurry increases field

Lafayette Mayor Christopher Heisler filed to run for county commissioner, just hours before the filing deadline. He joins a pool of five other candidates in the race for Commissioner Kathy George's seat.

Three candidates are seeking the one being vacated by Commissioner Mary Stern, who is also up against the county's three term limit ordinance.

Heisler has served three consecutive terms as Lafayette's mayor prior to throwing his hat in the ring for the commissioner race.

Among the flurry of last minute filings was McMinnville resident Ken Moore, an engineer and self-employed handyman, announced plans to run against three-time incumbent Jim Weidner for the 24th District.

“I am honored by the number of volunteers and donors who have reached out to me to offer support. They think it’s time for new leadership for our district, and they’re excited I have my hat in the ring,” Moore said in a press release.

Moore said he has a grassroots campaign well under way. From going door to door, he said he has gleaned exciting ideas and is eager to take them to the legislature.

In addition, the state's Independent Party drew it's first candidate with the filing of longtime Keizer resident and Salem-Keizer School Board vice chairman announced plans to seek a senate seat.

Since minor party elections are not administered or paid for by the state, Lee will not appear on the May primary ballot but is instead running for the Independent Party nomination which typically takes place in July.

"Chuck will be a breath of fresh air for voters who are sick of seeing the two parties and their candidates tearing into each other. Chuck has his own priorities and interests. His background in education and finance will resonate with a lot of voters, and he has expressed support for the Independent Party's agenda, which is to promote economic development, protect Oregon consumers, fight for increased transparency in government, and to reduce special interest control over the legislative process," said Sal Peralta, party secretary and a candidate for county commissioner in a press release.

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Comments

Don Dix

Mr. Peralta said this -- "His background in education and finance will resonate with a lot of voters,..."

Although he was referring to senate candidate Chuck Lee (and a member of Peralta's 'Independent Party'), consider this:

If those backgrounds are reasonable and critical criteria for public office as stated, could we assume they also apply to the position of county commissioner or any other elected seat? It seems rather odd that Mr. Peralta doesn't fit his own description (of what resonates with voters), but one of his opponents does. Stan Primozich probably never expected such a boost from a political foe, but this is one, wouldn't you say?